Is Sodexo right for you?

By Guest Blogger, Lorna Fuller, Senior Recruiter

It doesn't seem possible that we are already 3 months into the new year, does it? Where did the last two months go?

I started 2010 reflecting on where I've been, where I am now and most importantly what are my priorities for where I want to go in the future. I've learned over the years that in order to set a priority, you first have to define it. Webster says the word priority means, “precedence: status established in order of importance or urgency.” In other words, priority is time management.

So how do you set your priorities? As a Clinical Recruiter for Sodexo USA, I am often asked for career advice. I always, always, always say, "First things first - make a list, check it twice, and then set realistic goals for yourself." By the way, I also live by this advice. And then I say, "The fun part comes when you are able to cross off your accomplishments on a daily, weekly, monthly and even yearly basis."

Whether we realize it or not, we use this type of logic when seeking job opportunities too.

Being a recruiter is a rewarding job because I'm able to provide a new beginning for people. Part of my job is to determine if the candidate is right for Sodexo and the other part is to help the candidate determine if Sodexo is right for them. I know when faced with a decision to accept or reject a career opportunity, it's important to determine if the position would lend itself to the lifestyle that we most enjoy or one that meets our needs and comfort level. For some, the priority is career advancement, or professional development for others it 's maybe work/life balance, financial security, or a combination of these.

There is no right or wrong answer when making this determination; it’s what works best for you, the individual.

Career advancement and professional development are how individuals manage their career progression within and between organizations and how organizations structure the learning opportunities to promote both personal and professional growth in the individual. Technology and the increasing rate of change organizations experience causes us to need the knowledge and skills to perform these tasks, which increases our commitment to the process more so than other self-directed activities. Knowing our employees are seeking new ways to manage their career development, Sodexo has made training a large part of our benefits and we offer diverse learning opportunities specially designed to help employees flourish and grow in your personal and professional life.

Part of Sodexo's career development program is work/life effectiveness. Although a very broad concept, it's the relative importance of work and personal life to an individual. It doesn't mean an equal balance, but one that suits you from day to day. The right balance depends on where you are in life. It differs for each of us. Because work has a tendency sometimes to spill over into our personal lives, it’s important for us to recognize when one should end and the other begin. Sodexo's flexible work arrangements, job sharing, and virtual offices are just a few ways we promote quality of life solutions for our employees. Because balance looks different for everyone our training and development programs provide the tools to determine the right balance for each individual.

When I speak to candidates I make sure they know that Sodexo understands the various priorities that individuals face when making the decision to take that next step in their career and we are committed to meet the needs of our diverse workforce. At Sodexo, we support and encourage our employees to shape their own future and grow with the company.

Which brings me back to my career advice to candidates. Define your priorities and goals and then ask yourself, "Is Sodexo right for me?"

Well, is it?

Search Sodexo Jobs Here.

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Lorna Fuller is a Senior Recruiter at Sodexo. She received a B.S degree in Dietetics from the University of Akron and a M.S degree in Dietetics from Kent State University. Lorna has been active in health & wellness activities for more than 19 years and has served as president of the Cleveland Dietetic Association and most recently served on the Ohio Board of Dietetics. She is a native Clevelander and is active in various church activities. An avid reader, and traveler, she enjoys giving back to the community. Her favorite positive affirmation borrowed from Les Brown is "if you want to soar like eagles, leave those pigeons alone." You can connect with her on Twitter and Linkedin